Declassified

Declassified Part 10 Self Conscious

      "Relax." Alex insisted, pushing her hair behind her ears. "It's going to be great."
      "I'm sorry. I'm just nervous." Thalia stood on her toes to kiss him. "What if they hate each other?"

      Alex laughed. "Why would they hate each other?" He asked, sounding amused. "They like us. They're bound to like each other." He grinned. "Except Dan. I could see them hating him."
      Thalia laughed. "I hope he's on his best behaviour." She said, shaking her head.

      "He will be." Alex promised as the doorbell rang. "He knows I'll kill him if he isn't."
      "That will be Claire." Thalia predicted, straightening her skirt as she went to the door. "She's always early."

      "Hi, Thalia!" Claire's bubbly voice echoed through the front entry. "I brought wine."
      "Thank you." Thalia said, accepting the bottle. "You're so sweet."
      "The wine is sweet too." Claire took her coat off and entered the familiar living room. "I know you're not a big drinker, so—oh." Her eyes widened as she saw Alex.

      "You must be Claire." Alex took her small brown hand in his giant paw. "I'm Alex. Thalia's told me so many great things about you."

      Claire's cheeks flushed and she laughed as she stared up at him. "It's nice to meet you Alex." She shot Thalia a smile. "Thalia told me a lot about you as well. But I can think of a few details she forgot."

      Thalia's cheeks flushed. "I know." She laughed self consciously as she put the wine on the table. "I told you we didn't have anything in common."
      Alex shook his head. "We have lots in common." He smiled at Claire. "Can I get you a drink?" When Claire nodded, Alex filled her a cup. "Thalia told me you're learning Russian?"

      "Yes." Claire said, regaining her composure. "It's a challenging language, but I'm getting there." She accepted her drink and switched to French. "Thalia told me you speak French?"
      "I do." Alex answered in French. "I often pretend to be Canadian when I'm in the field, so it helps to be able to speak French if I need it."

      Thalia spoke in English. "Everyone who is coming tonight knows we work for the agency, so we can talk openly about work." She told her friend.
      "Great." Claire looked relieved at this revelation. She looked at Alex. "How are your injuries, by the way?"

      Alex smiled. "I'm almost completely healed, but my liver's still getting there. Water for me tonight." He told her, holding up his glass. "But that's better than the alternative. I owe Thalie my life." He squeezed Thalia's hand.

      "Yes. Thalia's an amazing doctor." Claire said loyally.
      Thalia laughed. "You both give me way too much credit." She protested as the doorbell rang. "Alex did all the hard work when we were over there."
      "Is she always this modest?" Thalia heard her boyfriend ask as she headed to the door.

      "Thalia, I love your outfit." Lindsey was saying as she came into the house. Claire and Thalia watched their friend's mouth literally drop open as she looked at Alex. 

      He does look good. Thalia had to admit to herself. Alex was clean shaven, and wearing a blue shirt that showed off his tan. Although it was not as tight as he preferred to wear his shirts, it didn't hide the size of the muscles on his broad frame, a fact that Lindsey was clearly enjoying.

      "Lindsey, I want you to meet Alex. Alex, Lindsey." Thalia said, gesturing.
      Lindsey offered her hand to Alex, still looking surprised. "It's nice to meet you, Alex." Lindsey smiled. "I've seen your pictures, but... wow."

      Alex laughed, and Thalia had to smile. Alex clearly didn't mind her obvious attraction. "It's nice to meet you too, Lindsey."
      "Thalia said something about you having brothers...?" Lindsey suggested playfully, laughing as she looked at Alex's perfect face.